Katispsublue big on speed

POMONA, Calif. - Notwithstanding her diminutive size, the 2-year-old Katispsublue towers over her rivals Saturday in the $130,000 Barretts Debutante at Fairplex Park.

A 6 1/2-furlong race restricted to 2-year-old fillies offered at a Barretts sale, the Barretts Debutante drew 12 entrants, and 10 will start. None are as fast as Katispsublue, who won her debut by seven lengths Aug. 26 at Del Mar.

"It was a little bit of a surprise," said trainer Craig Dollase. "We had some gate trouble coming into the race, and she broke a little tardy, but she overcame the inside, got pressure, and did everything professionally."

She also did it fast. The fractions set by Katispsublue, 22.31 and 45.23 seconds, put her on the lead Saturday under David Flores, and she will be favored to give owner Mike Shustek his first Barretts win. Dollase is trying to win for the second consecutive year.

Catch My Fancy won the Barretts Debutante last fall following a Del Mar maiden win; Dollase said there are similarities between her and Katispsublue beyond their form. "They're both a little on the petite side, but they have strides like a big horse," he said.

Katispsublue is one of three winners entered in the Barretts Debutante. Katispsublue's main competition is Del Mar maiden winner Berriestoheaven and maiden Angel Eyed.

Berriestoheaven improved slightly in her second start to win at Del Mar. "She's got a nice temperament," said trainer Paddy Gallagher. "She doesn't act like a speed filly. She's relaxed, and came from off the pace both races."

If a maiden wins, it probably will be Angel Eyed, who spun her wheels and finished fourth behind Berriestoheaven last out.

"That's why we didn't run her back at Del Mar; she did not get a hold of that track," said trainer Chris Paasch.

Angel Eyed rallied from behind in both starts, but, Paasch said, "She has speed, and she seemed to like [Fairplex]," citing a quarter-mile breeze at the May Barretts sale.

Allie P. won her Yavapai Downs debut by more than 16 lengths. Quick Little Miss scratched from an easier stakes Thursday to run Saturday. Others are Suisse Movement, Smokey Gal, Peak in a Hurry, Kissin Party, and Lainey Lu.

* Ramon Guce escaped injury Wednesday when his mount, Followmetothewire, clipped heels on the first turn of race 4, and the rider and horse went down. Followmetothewire was unscathed; Guce went to the hospital for precautionary X-rays and was released.